SOUP TIP

Paula Deen's tip for reducing the fat in your broth:

Chill the soup. 

The fat will rise to the top, and you can scoop it off.

JURY DUTY SUMMONS

I don't mind the jury duty summons because it one's civic duty to serve, but I do mind the early morning wake-up alarm and the long wait until you find out if you are assigned to a court case. I plan on taking a book, crossword puzzles....and snacks to make the wait time tolerable.

CHRISTMAS ALL THROUGH THE HOUSE 2013

I love to have Christmas decor throughout the house.

Santa With His Reindeer On Dining Buffet

Antique Trunk In Boy's Room

Master Bedroom Alcove

CHRISTMAS 2013

Here are some photos 

of our outside 

Christmas decorations.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Wishing everyone 

a wonderful 2014 

filled with 

happiness, 

success, 

and 

good health!

MERRY CHRISTMAS ETSYKIDS TREASURY

I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas. Here are a few one my favorite Christmas creations by EtsyKids designers.

Christmas Iron-On Shirt Transfer

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Tea Party Designs

Christmas Bibs

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Happy Babee and Beeyond

Red Baby Booties

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The Desig Nest

Christmas Patchwork Blanket

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Sweetie Bugs

Check out my other EtsyKids Christmas selections in my treasury, MERRY CHRISTMAS 2013.

ARTWORK TREASURY FOR BOY'S ROOM by Snazzy Snugglies

Enjoy the vibrant colors of the art work treasury, Beautiful Art for Boys, by Snazzy Snugglies which features 16 Etsykids designers.

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nJoyArt

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BabyChicksDesigns

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Mia4Art

9-11 ANNIVERSARY

Americans will never forget that tragic day when terrorists destroyed the twin towers and part of the Pentagon. Needless to say, their cowardly actions caused much heartache. 

FOOTBALL SEASON IS HERE - 100 TAILGATE RECIPES

•  Hot Sausage Dip
• Whether you're at the game or cheering from home, kick off your tailgating party with our first-string collection of snacks, spreads, and dips. For starters, scoop up this hearty sausage dip and keep it warm at the tailgate party in an insulated casserole dish carrier.
• INGREDIENTS
• 1 pound ground hot pork sausage
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomato and green chiles
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• Corn chips
• DIRECTIONS
• 1. Cook sausage in a large skillet, stirring until meat crumbles and is no longer pink; drain well.
  2.  Drain diced tomato and green chiles, reserving 1/4 cup liquid.
  3.  Stir together sausage, diced tomato and green chiles, reserved liquid, and cream cheese. Spoon into a lightly greased 1-quart baking dish; sprinkle with Cheddar cheese. Bake at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly. Serve with corn chips.

DUAL PURPOSE FOR STRAWBERRIES

Today, I'm starting back on my blog.  I recently had a double mastectomy and am on my way back to normal day-to-day living.  I do have one remaining surgery to finish the reconstruction. I was delighted to hear one of my favorite fruits also helps to whiten one's teeth. Dual functions - nourishment and dental hygiene rolled into one! 

According to Redbook:

They may be bright red, but malic acid, a chief component of this summery fruit, acts as a natural astringent to remove surface tooth discoloration, says Dr. Irwin Smigel, president of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics. Fresh, juicy strawberries taste great in any meal—salads, desserts, cereal—and are widely available at farmers markets this time of year, so getting your daily dose is both simple and delicious.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

I looked for a Mother's Day graphic before we went to church and decided to use the cover of our church bulletin!  Happy Mother's Day, Mom.  Wish you were here for a hug!

PRODUCTIVE WEEKEND WORKING IN SOME OF THE BACKYARD FLOWER BEDS

 Texas Flower Bed

 Purple Fox Glove and Irises In Tree Ring

 Wax Myrtle Corner Bed

 Asiatic Lillies, Irises and Begonias

 Tree Ring

Crepe Myrtle, Irises and Begonias

 View of Flower Beds I Worked On This Weekend

FIRST DAY OF SPRING!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

DALLAS ARBORETUM IN THE SPRING TIME

The grandkids had a great time at the Dallas Arboretum yesterday with their friends. It is such a lovely place in which to see the spring bulbs in full bloom and has lots of play areas for the kids. It is currently working on another children's addition that should be open in a few months.